Elton John Is Like a Nagging Mom for Billy Joel

Reuters

Andrew Goldman has an extensive interview with Billy Joel in this Sunday's New York Times Magazine, which — after you finish admiring the accompanying photo of Joel and his pug posing in a sidecar — covers the piano man's finances, divorces, and drinking.

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 19, 2013

Andy Dick Is Depressingly Good on 'Dancing with the Stars' This Season

You may have been too busy watching fancy fare like Top of the Lake or Bates Motelto care, really, but the 16th season of Dancing with the Stars premiered last night. And it's got a breakout star.

Comments | 2,931 Views

By Alexander Abad-Santos

Mar 19, 2013

The End of Lil Wayne's Hospital Stay, as Confirmed by the Internet

TMZ hasn't backtracked on its "reporting," CNN is quoting Mack Maine's tweets, and it seems like the last local news station in America got to its sizzurp scare piece — guys, Lil' Wayne is out of the hospital, for real.

Comments | 694 Views

By Connor Simpson

Mar 19, 2013

Jay Leno's War on NBC Now Involves 'Snakes' in a Boardroom

If there was still any doubt about Jay Leno feuding with NBC executives — and his asking for it when it comes to threats from Jimmy Fallon — well, Leno pretty much declared battle straight from the top on last night's Tonight Show.

Comments | 3,299 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 18, 2013

The Call Sheet

Sarah Silverman May Go to Work for Seth MacFarlane

Today in show business news: Sarah Silverman might be in Seth MacFarlane's new movie, the new season of American Horror Story will feature witches, and Nick Jonas is going to be a movie star.

Comments | 4,656 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 18, 2013

Chart of the Day

March Madness, Mapped

While you're filling out your expertly analyzed bracket, you might want to take a look at how March Madness fandom is spread across the country with this map from Facebook.

Comments | 2,242 Views

By Alexander Abad-Santos

Mar 18, 2013

The 'Game of Thrones'-'Princess Bride' Mashup Is Inconceivably Great

Today in viral videos: Game of Thrones continues to be viral gold, Justin's Timberweek will never stop, and the most uplifting mother-and-son clip of the year.

Comments | 1,897 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 18, 2013

Vampire Weekend's New Songs Are Retro Fun

After a performance at SXSW, the preppy, Afropop influenced band has released two new studio tracks off their upcoming album, Modern Vampires in the City, and they're getting good early buzz.

Comments | 1,897 Views

By Connor Simpson

Mar 18, 2013

Tiger Woods and Lindsay Vonn Reveal Dating News in Facebook Ad for Nike

Here's the most absurd parts about the couple's official confirmation of what the tabloids have been reporting for weeks: The awkward staged photos on their Facebook pages prominently feature mega-sponsorship deals.

Comments | 4,235 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 18, 2013

Lindsay Lohan Is Going Back to Rehab

After arriving late to court, by way of private jet and glitter-bomb, and in a ridiculous get-up, Lindsay Lohan accepted a plea deal that will send her to a "locked" rehabilitation facility for 90 days.

Comments | 3,104 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 18, 2013

The State of the 'Girls' Debate Is Good

Not a single episode could air during season one without an overanalysis of controversial themes and Dunham's perceived agenda. And so in season two Dunham's agenda was to address controversial themes head-on, or indirectly, but mostly on purpose. Let's discuss.

Comments | 690 Views

By Jen Doll

Mar 18, 2013

Plot Twists

A Wishlist for Season Three of 'Girls'

Goodnight, bittersweet season two of HBO's Girls. You gave us a lot to think about. And now, hope springs new again, because season three could really bring anything. 

Comments | 1,552 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 18, 2013

Young Republican Caught Getting Two-Year Old News from 'The Newsroom'

Much like HBO's The Newsroom, Young Republicans National Policy Chairman Jason Whitman seems to be living two years in the past.

Comments | 3,621 Views

By Alexander Abad-Santos

Mar 18, 2013

Reddit's Web Series to Show Its Smart Side

Existentialism, the Syrian Crisis, and volatility of the stock market—that's what the site's debut web series is tackling and, at the same time, is proving that the people behind a site that revels in memes like Socially Awkward Penguin and Actual Advice Mallard, are actually pretty smart and entertaining when they want to be. 

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By Connor Simpson

Mar 18, 2013

Elisabeth Hasselbeck Will Fire Herself, Ann Curry-Style

Elisabeth Hasselbeck was leaving The View, but then she wasn't, and now she's leaving again. We don't really know who to believe, but word is out — again — that the ice queen of daytime talk TV is getting the boot from Barbara Walters' daily gabfest. Just not yet.

Comments | 7,671 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 18, 2013

What We Watched

I'm Ready to Admit My Love for 'Shameless'

Thrashing around amid all the rumble of serious prestige Sunday television — Mad MenGame of ThronesBreaking BadThe Walking Dead even — is a strange and wily little Showtime series called Shameless that, now almost three full seasons in, I am just starting to love.

Comments | 8,347 Views

By Connor Simpson

Mar 18, 2013

Why 'Spring Breakers' Is Already a Huge Small Hit

Harmony Korine's ode to debauchery and delinquent youth, Spring Breakers, opened in theaters this weekend. It did really well! It did well enough to warrant a separate report from our usual box office musings because, while it only opened in three theaters, it brought in an insane amount of money.

Comments | 1,551 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 18, 2013

Glenn Beck and Conservatives See the Devil in Barack Obama on 'The Bible'

Along with maybe a few actual viewers, they're brewing a high-profile controversy because, well, the actor who played the devil on Sunday night's episode maybe kind of sort of looks like the President of the United States.

Comments | 10,518 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 18, 2013

The New 'Game of Thrones' Trailer Is the Most Exciting Yet

The third season is based on the third book, and its huge events are now in action — Beyond-the-Wall wildlings scaling the wall, dragons belching forth flame, Jon Snow getting his romance on, and more.

Comments | 4,483 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 18, 2013

How to Critique the New Beyoncé Song

"Bow Down/I Been On" may in fact be two different songs, but it's definitely bizarre, allegedly arrogant, and not exactly getting universal praise from fans and critics. All of which means there are reason to gripe, and many ways in which to do so.

Comments | 4,828 Views

By Connor Simpson

Mar 18, 2013

The NFL's Response to Asking Recruits If They're Gay Is Underwhelming So Far

At this year's scouting combine — the annual gathering of football recruits to determine how well they could potentially play on an NFL field — teams reportedly asked players about their sexuality. The NFL launched an investigation into the matter, and we haven't heard from them since. Until now.

Comments | 345 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 18, 2013

The Smart Set

Lindsay Lohan Flies to Court

Today in celebrity gossip: Lindsay Lohan is on a mad dash to make it to court, Marilyn Manson does an annoying thing, and Emma Watson is definitely not going to be in 50 Shades of Grey

Comments | 3,103 Views

By Jen Doll

Mar 18, 2013

'Girls' Season Two Finale: Together ... Forever?

Last night brought us the season two finale of Girls, an episode with the unusually rom-com-esque title, "Together." It's been an interesting ride this season, full of discomfort and displeasure, cringing and awkwardness for characters and viewers alike, and this 30-minute season ender was no exception.

Comments | 2,931 Views

By Adam Clark Estes

Mar 17, 2013

David Bowie and Bon Jovi Battle to Top the Charts — Wait, What Year Is It Again?

A very strange thing happened to pop music this year. David Bowie released a new album, and it is awesome, so awesome that it rocketed the 66-year-old singer to the top of the charts for the first time in 20 years.

Comments | 2,586 Views

By Connor Simpson

Mar 17, 2013

Try Not to Lose Your Shirt in Your NCAA Office Pool This Year

It is the holiest of days in some parts of the country: NCAA Selection Sunday. And here, for your viewing pleasure, is the official bracket for the 2013 NCAA Tournament, plus some amateur analysis that will help ruin your bracket by the end of the first round. 

Comments | 2,586 Views

By Connor Simpson

Mar 17, 2013

Box Office Report

Magic from Carell and Carrey Can't Make 'Oz' Disappear

Welcome to the Box Office Report, where Steve Carell's career was the only thing Burt Wonderstone ever made disappear. Poof! Just like that, it was gone. 

Comments | 2,586 Views

By Connor Simpson

Mar 17, 2013

SXSW Is Dead, but at Least Justin Timberlake and Prince Were the Ones to Kill It

The much-maligned South By Southwest festival closed last night with two blockbuster shows: Justin Timberlake in one venue, with Prince performing across town. Neither would ever be considered a bad choice, but let's break down which show was better -- just because we can. 

Comments | 6,000 Views

By Connor Simpson

Mar 16, 2013

Dinesh D'Souza's '2016: Obama's America' Made Enough Money to Warrant a Sequel

Dinesh D'Souza made a movie last year. It was about President Obama, and what the world would look like if he were to win a second term. The outlook: not good. It was critically reviled, but it made truckloads of money so they're getting a sequel. 

Comments | 2,759 Views

By Connor Simpson

Mar 16, 2013

Jay Leno's Jokes Actually Managed to Offend Someone at NBC

The recent reports about NBC's post-Leno plans were as surprising as they were interesting. As in, they kind of came out of nowhere. So it might make sense to hear that, behind the scenes, Leno has been feuding with one of the top executives at NBC. 

Comments | 19,073 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 15, 2013

This Is Your 'Jeopardy' Host Short List

Welcome to the beginning of the end of Alex Trebek. The struggles of Matt Lauer at the Today show have gotten the rumor mill in full gear, with Anderson Cooper, Brian Williams, and Dan Patrick now in the mix. Let's examine the possibilities.

Comments | 13,684 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 15, 2013

The Call Sheet

Emma Watson's Not Doing '50 Shades of Grey'

Today in show business news:  Lots of casting stuff, including a sordid rumor about Emma Watson, a potentially holy gig for Christian Bale, and a 90210 actress having a comeback.

Comments | 26,820 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 15, 2013

What Rob Portman Learned

Now that Republican senator Rob Portman's son has come out to him, he supports gay marriage. This makes him the first Republican senator to hold that position. That's great, right?

Comments | 12,932 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 15, 2013

Justin Timberlake's SXSW 'Secret' Show for MySpace Is Fitting End to JT Week

The rumors are true: Timberlake will be performing at SXSW, taking the stage at the last of the Myspace Secret Shows on Saturday night in Austin. Which makes all too much sense, since Timberlake himself is an investor in the (outdated) social media company.

Comments | 3,103 Views

By Alexander Abad-Santos

Mar 15, 2013

Anderson Cooper Is Afraid of Bigfoot

Today in viral videos: the world's most intrepid news host giggles his way out of a big Yeti scare, proof that your local weatherman is more immature than a fifth-grader, and 50 misconceptions that will ruin your world. 

Comments | 2,069 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 15, 2013

What We Watched

'American Idol': The First Cut Is the Weakest

And then there were nine. Only nine! We have miraculously reached the single-digits phase of America's longest and most punishing singing competition, and that is something to celebrate.

Comments | 5,781 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 15, 2013

The Koch Brothers' Media Takeover Has Big-Money Competition from the Left

The bidding war for Tribune Company newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, looks to have another moneyed influencer beyond the Koch brothers and Rupert Murdoch.

Comments | 1,724 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 15, 2013

Is the 'Veronica Mars' Kickstarter a One-Hit Wonder?

The beloved, short-lived drama Veronica Mars created history—and debate—this week when its creator and star quickly funded a follow-up movie using Kickstarter.

Comments | 1,379 Views

By Jen Doll

Mar 15, 2013

Y.A. for Grownups

The Making of a Y.A. Character: A Q&A with Gayle Forman

Gayle Forman's Just One Day is a love story mixed with a coming-of-age tale featuring the character of Allyson Healey. Allyson can be a little bit frustrating. What's a Y.A. author to do about that? We asked Gayle Forman, who created her.

Comments | 1,035 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 15, 2013

Steve Carell Is No Will Ferrell , and That's OK

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone opens today with middling to bad reviews, but even though the movie is off to an iffy start, its star Steve Carell may have a lot to look forward to this year—maybe even an Oscar bid.

Comments | 862 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 15, 2013

The Smart Set

The Bachelor Doesn't Want Your Love

Today in celebrity gossip: Sean Lowe doesn't want to be famous, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner love hanging out, and Lady Gaga is looking for a home. 

Comments | 6,380 Views

By Alexander Abad-Santos

Mar 15, 2013

Matt Lauer Might Ruin 'Jeopardy' After His Reign of Terror at the 'Today' Show

The $25 million Today show host who is now less popular than George Stephanopoulos is primed to become the next host of Jeopardy!, where he would seek to replace one of the most popular game-show hosts of all time.

Comments | 9,656 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 14, 2013

The Call Sheet

'Jurassic Park 4' Has a Director

Today in show business news: An indie filmmaker is getting the keys to Spielberg's dinosaur kingdom, Ang Lee heads to television, and Corbin Bleu has seen better days.

Comments | 2,242 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 14, 2013

Justin Bieber Is Building a Crazy-Proof Fan Machine

Forget crazy. Forget the Lindsay Lohan dig. Justin Bieber ended his lengthiest written statement on his world-famous social-media accounts on Thursday by thanking his fans, because Justin Bieber knows how to use his millions of followers to insulate himself from bad press.

Comments | 1,897 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 14, 2013

Baconalia Is Serious Business

Whenever you see something as snarkified and opportunistic as the Denny's web-culture driven styled Baconalia, let's not forget that at some office park somewhere, this is someone's job.

Comments | 1,897 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 14, 2013

'Mad Men' Season 6 Fashion Looks Like a Celebrity Scrapbook from the '60s

We're no fashion historians, but we looked at some old photographs of style icons against the brand-new Mad Men promo shots — and we saw some striking parallels.

Comments | 11,508 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 14, 2013

What We Watched

'American Idol': Remember the Titans

Last night America's top ten sang their goopy guts out on American Idol, the last place in America where cheesy is champion. Sure, Nicki Minaj was late, but who's really looking good in the race to who will probably, maybe, definitely win?

Comments | 1,896 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 14, 2013

Lena Dunham Doesn't Want Playboy to Imagine Her with a Supermodel Body

Even though she called it "Kindergarten reading material," the magazine synonymous with promoting a certain women's body type asked Dunham to imagine having a perfect body type. But she came prepared.

Comments | 10,743 Views

By Richard Lawson

Mar 14, 2013

The Smart Set

Hearst Is Not OK with Sexting Strippers

Today in gossip: Don't get caught sexting at Hearst or they'll let you go, Anna Kendrick is single now, and Taylor Swift did not sleep with Ed Sheeran. 

Comments | 2,242 Views

By Alexander Abad-Santos

Mar 14, 2013

The Truth About Matt Lauer's 'Today' Show Problem Is Internal Revolt

The narrative from people who actually work at the show — that staffers are well aware of Lauer's fading likability, that Ann Curry wasn't the problem after all, and that nobody wants to tell him — counters what we've been hearing from Lauer and NBC executives.

Comments | 32,144 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

Mar 14, 2013

Michelle Obama's Bangs Debut on the Cover of Vogue

The First Lady covering Vogue for the second time is one of those events that so instantly and obviously fascinates inquiring eyes of both the political and fashion worlds that it begs for comparison.

Comments | 2,242 Views

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